Basic Information

This has been the most unusual winter in my memory! The ice storms just keep coming, with the possibility of yet another on Wednesday nightand Thursday. I don't know about you, but I am ready for spring. The March winds I usually dread, I am now looking forward to. Yes I know, my next newsletter will have a comment from me wishing the winds would stop, followed by another complaint about the heat. But for now, I amready for relief from ice storms, with whatever change occurs.

---Skywarn Training Underway---

Skywarn Training is underway in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. National Weather Service personnel will be traveling extensively through the middle of April with presentaions including weather event anticipation based on cloud formations, wind conditions etc., and safety instructions for those who are involved as storm chasers. Skywarn schedules that I am aware of are as follows:

Skywarn Training in Abilene was also scheduled for February 28th, but was cancelled due to icy conditions. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

---West Gulf Division Awards Nominations---

West Gulf Division Director David Woolweaver has announced that nominations are now open for WDG Ham of the Year and WDG Excellence Award.

Winners will be announced at HamCom 2015 at Irving, with presentations to be made by Dave Summner K1ZZ, ARRL Chief Executive Officer. Many ham radio operators across the West Texas Section fail to get the recognition they deserve and the WDG Awards provide an opportunity for that recognition to occur. It is requested that all Amateur Radio Clubs give thought to these upcomings awards and nominate deserving individuals.

More information will be forthcoming.

---West Texas Section Manager Nomination/Election Scheduled---

I decided earlier in the year that this would be my last term as Section Manager. I was elected for my first term in 2011, my second in 2013, and this term will expire the last day of June, 2015. In April I will celebrate my 76th birthday and have decided not to run for a third term. I have enjoyed my time as Section Manager, and the new acquaintances I have developed over the last 4 years. I just think it is time to turn the reins over to someone else.

The nomination process is underway at this time, and all nomination paperwork must be in hand at ARRL by March 6, 2015. This includes anomination form, a 150 word statement of qualifications, and a printable picture.

---Midland St. Patrick's Day Hamfest---

The annual St. Patrick's Day Hamfest and West Texas Section Convention is scheduled for Saturday March 14th at the Horeshoe Arena in Midland.

---HamCom 2015 is Scheduled for June 12th-13th Irving Convention Center---

HamCom 2015 is coming up on June 12th and 13th at the Irving Convention Center. Please note that this is a location change from Plano, where Hamcom had been located for the last several years, to the Irving Convention Center. I understand that the change presents an increase in space and promises to be a bigger and better event. HamCom is already the biggest hamfest in Texas and promises to be even bigger this year and in the future. Details can be found at http://www.hamcom.org.

---Silent Keys---

None reported.

---Section Emergency Coordinator Report---

In order to save space, the Monthly Section Emergency Report for January 2015 can be seen in its entirety by scrolling to the bottom of the ARRL West Texas Section Page. Once there, click on the link for the January SEC Report.